Nigeria’s malnutrition burden remains one of the highest in the world, 40% of Nigerian Children stunted, 8% wasted and 22% underweight, according to the NDHS 2018. Despite multiple commitments, nutrition financing remains heavily dependent on donor funds and inadequate government allocations. This calls for a more sustainable financing model—one that harnesses private sector investment.
Why the Private Sector Must Step Up
The private sector has the capital, innovation, and infrastructure to drive large-scale nutrition interventions. Global best practices show that when businesses integrate nutrition into their corporate social responsibility (CSR) and investment portfolios, malnutrition rates drop significantly. In Nigeria, the private sector can contribute by:
- Investing in fortified and affordable nutritious foods to enhance accessibility.
- Partnering with government and CSOs to fund large-scale nutrition programs.
- Driving workplace nutrition policies that support employee well-being and productivity.
Existing Private Sector Engagement in Nutrition
Nigeria has witnessed successful private sector-led nutrition initiatives, such as:
- The Scaling Up Nutrition Business Network (SBN), which mobilizes private businesses to support nutrition goals.
- Dangote Foundation’s nutrition interventions, which focus on micronutrient fortification and child malnutrition programs.
The Role of CS-SUNN in Driving Private Sector Engagement
CSOs like CS-SUNN have a critical role in advocating for private sector participation. CS-SUNN continues to:
- Facilitate dialogue between the government and private companies to drive investments in nutrition-sensitive interventions.
- Advocate for tax incentives for businesses investing in nutrition.
- Ensure accountability in private sector commitments to nutrition financing.
Moving forward, Nigeria must create an enabling environment for businesses to invest in nutrition—because a well-nourished population is the foundation of economic prosperity.
